"Othering"
- Karen McGinnis
- Aug 12, 2023
- 4 min read
“Othering”
"Othering!" It sounds like something one should do to their refrigerator at least once a year! The reality of the word is that it is much closer to the verbal interplay between parties of a bad break-up or a nasty divorce. In our country, "othering" most commonly involves ageism, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, skin color and, recently, political affiliations.
By definition, “othering” is viewing or treating a person or group of persons as though they are intrinsically different or alien to oneself. Negative characteristics are attributed to the person or groups being selected as NOT fitting in to the norms and behaviors of the “IN-GROUP.”
High school students may recognize those practicing "otherizing" as being members of the “mean girls” or the “in group”. In order to demean and exclude others, negative remarks, characterizations and behaviors highlight the disconnect between the “in” and “out” groups.
As adults, we may all participate unconsciously in forms of “othering.” Stuck behind a slow-moving vehicle on the freeway, some assume that an ancient Asian is at the wheel of the slow car. This is the “othering” of both an age group and an ethnic group. Professionally this occurs in the characterizations of the personalities and behaviors of groups such as attorneys, politicians, and even line-backers!
Why do these slams, generalizations and negative comments occur? It has been said that humans have an instinct based in fear that has been used throughout history to build a cohesiveness within the ‘in’ group. The wider the gap of differences between the groups, the stronger the building of identity within the group and against the “other.” Anyone seen as a threat to the safety and security of the individual or group is seen as “other”.
Studies of human psychology observe the tendency to notice and accept differences within a group, but to generalize and reject the same differences in groups of the “other.” All members of the “out” group share the same characteristics as they are grouped together. This generalization leads to dehumanizing the “out” group. Dehumanizing a group can lead to increasingly negative actions toward that group.
This type of grouping can be based on any number of characteristics, behaviors, or origins. The “othering” is an undeniable part of the human story. It is a story that has been told through time and in disparate situations. Once othering occurs and takes hold, dehumanization is not far behind. Do violent tendencies exist based on survival or self-defense? Guilt for violent and undeserved actions are diminished due to the dehumanization and rationalization of the violence. Actions are against “them” as a dehumanized group. The individual is no longer seen. Actions are justified in the mind of the perpetrator.
History is filled with examples of this extreme form of “otherizing.” Jews were “otherized” by the Nazis. Blacks were “otherized” by apartheid and slavery. Immigrants are currently “otherized” by persons fearful of joblessness or displacement…or those seeking to create irrational fear of the “other.” Political parties “otherize” each other, as a group and as individuals!
One of the interesting results of buying into “othering” is that it can lead to actual breaking of the law by previously law-abiding individuals, the ruin of marital and familial relationships, and the loss of professions and futures. There are occasions where those practicing “otherizing” lead others to follow their lead without ever actually going to extremes themselves.
If “otherizing” is as old as the Romans and the Spartans, the Egyptians and the Jews, the hunter-gatherers and the agriculturalists, what hope is there to create a world in which individuals are accepted and valued for their uniqueness?
Recognition is the first step in eliminating the negative impact of “othering.” Just as knowing that the “mean girls” are a group made up of girls who will scatter at year end and be forced to go out into the world on their own, recognizing when a group is being “othered” can give hearing the negative characterizations a whole new meaning. What is the motive of the person casting aspersions? Are the characterizations reality based, or the opinion of the speaker?
Knowing that history has seen the rise and fall of political groups, religious beliefs, survival demands and social mores, increases the ability to recognize “othering” when one hears it in current society. Just recognizing when and why it is being used is a powerful tool in staying independent, rational and free thinking.
Like recognition, speaking out when unfair and obvious generalizations occur can encourage the independent thought of those listening. Not accepting blindly the directed negativity towards others goes a long way in encouraging objective thinking. The irony of this is that we are also susceptible to “otherizing the otherizers!”
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“Otherizing lies at the root of humanities most objectionable traits: racism, sexism, homophobia, rabid nationalism, and bigotry.” Tom Moon M.F.T. tommoon.net
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Our best defense is to be on the alert. Are politicians or the media playing to the basest of intentions in the human psyche? Is the tendency to group oneself with the strongest, most like ourselves, group, done to ensure our safety and survival? Is the ability of mankind to love and nurture a stronger instinct than the need to dehumanize and denigrate? Can the positivity of thought overcome the basest of our instincts?
Generalized classifications can never be applied broadly to groups of individuals. We are not all the same. Sameness is not the antonym of other. As individuals we “belong” to a larger calling. That level of belonging allows for individual differences.
Like the grains of sand on the beach or the rocks on the roadbed, we are all different, but are stronger and more beautiful together.
Further thought on the subject:
There are books in print on this subject.
Search on your search engine for more information.
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